Oasis compared to Dream

[Just take my money]

Family of 5, 3 boys 11-15. We have sailed on the Dream the last 2 February breaks and this year did 7 days on the Oasis. On both cruises we had adjoining staterooms. On the Oasis we had balconies. We jotted down some notes as the week went along where we thought one ship was better than the other. Thoroughly enjoyed both ships and can see us sailing both lines again. I know people like to compare so here are one family's notes.

Disney
-Food quality is better. Especially the baked goods at breakfast and dinner. (Oasis got better at the end of the week in the baked goods category)
-Adult pool areas are less crowded, as so many passengers are with their young kids. Sometimes felt like you had it to yourself.
-Headliner acts better. No reservations needed for shows.
-Sports bar!
-Soft serve open later.
-Enjoy the 18+ area at night, less crowded and the activities were at better times and just overall more fun.

RCCL
-Windjammer for dinner. Arrive whenever you want, plenty of variety and food is good. Nice servers and no 90-120 minute commitment for dinner, just not our style. We use Cabanas for dinner on Disney, but not available first and last nights and it is still table service.
-Pools and hot tubs are better and more space avail in water. No ‘kid soup’ in the pools. Also open later.
-Central Park and other neighborhoods like the Boardwalk are very nice.
-More variety for lunch locations and menus.
-Soda machines and internet top notch, even if you have to pay separately.
-Live music at pool level.
-Last morning Windjammer open until 9am w full buffet, felt less rushed.

 

[starvenger]

Which balconies did you have? Ocean, Park or Boardwalk view?

That's pretty concise and more or less what I would say. I think I had better food on my Royal trips, but realistically the food on my cruises have been roughly equal (save for my first time on (old) Regal Princess, which was really good. But that might be First Cruise Bias talking).

With the soda, I would agree, and it would be nice to have Freestyle machines on DCL, but I think it would be an efficiency nightmare.

I didn't see the headliner on DCL, but I know that on Royal they've been not good. I mean, they're good at what they do, but I'm never sure who the acts are meant to cater to.

 

[Just take my money]

We had an Ocean balcony, deck 7.

I know I wrote down the food was better maybe during the 2nd/3rd day but we really did end up having some excellent food. Part of it was the Steamship beef during embarkation was so much better on the Dream, it really left a lasting impression. Overall it was not far off, but Disney pastries are better and that means a lot to us.

 

[John VN]

With kids-we had none on Oasis so can't compare but have had on DCL and things were outstanding, pastries agreed, food not really picky eaters so both were fine, shows again not important so it's a "what-ever-floats-your-boat", internet better on Oasis, not soda/alcohol drinkers so flip the coin.

DCL just too much $$$$ in the future so RCL and others. Alaska-a Norwegian cruise soon and will see how it goes then RCL concierge later this year that is much-MUCH CHEAPER than DCL and longer.

 

[OKW Lover]

Good comparison @Just take my money! We've been on the Oasis 3 times now (just off last week) and have sailed on the Dream 4 or 5 times. Love both ships.

I'll note though that we sail in a full suite on the Oasis for about the same (or less) cost as we would pay for a similar 7-night on the Fantasy in a standard veranda stateroom.

 

[doubleosix]

With kids-we had none on Oasis so can't compare but have had on DCL and things were outstanding, pastries agreed, food not really picky eaters so both were fine, shows again not important so it's a "what-ever-floats-your-boat", internet better on Oasis, not soda/alcohol drinkers so flip the coin.

DCL just too much $$$$ in the future so RCL and others. Alaska-a Norwegian cruise soon and will see how it goes then RCL concierge later this year that is much-MUCH CHEAPER than DCL and longer.

Taking the kids on their 1st cruise with Disney this summer however after looking at other cruise lines I most likely will not rebook with Disney in the future based on price alone but I’ll have to wait till after the summer cruise to see how it goes....

Coco cay seems like it may sway a lot of families

 

[John VN]

Taking the kids on their 1st cruise with Disney this summer however after looking at other cruise lines I most likely will not rebook with Disney in the future based on price alone but I’ll have to wait till after the summer cruise to see how it goes....

Coco cay seems like it may sway a lot of families

IMO, DCL

Kids should love it but could be spoiled so be forewarned !!! After our upcoming RCL Crown Loft cruise we will continue to RCL in the future for sure and look forward to Coco Cay.

ENJOY THE CRUISE

 

[nkereina]

DH and I sailed Oasis last Spring and loved it. We've never done a DCL cruise mostly because it's been cost prohibitive, but we're now considering a 4 night cruise on the Dream for next winter just to get a taste of it. We're Disney fanatics so it seems like a sin to not give it a try! LOL!

How would you say the Dream is for a couple with no kids? On Oasis, we did like the casino and did buy a drink package, but I'm thinking we won't miss these things too much on a 4 night cruise. For the dining, do you always have tablemates or could we sit alone as a party of two? Is it a set time each night for dinner?

 

[doubleosix]

DH and I sailed Oasis last Spring and loved it. We've never done a DCL cruise mostly because it's been cost prohibitive, but we're now considering a 4 night cruise on the Dream for next winter just to get a taste of it. We're Disney fanatics so it seems like a sin to not give it a try! LOL!

How would you say the Dream is for a couple with no kids? On Oasis, we did like the casino and did buy a drink package, but I'm thinking we won't miss these things too much on a 4 night cruise. For the dining, do you always have tablemates or could we sit alone as a party of two? Is it a set time each night for dinner?

I have read reports you can request a private table, but I'm not sure of the success rate unless you are concierge level

 

[keishashadow]

I have read reports you can request a private table, but I'm not sure of the success rate unless you are concierge level

Twice on DCL when just DH and me, were seated at larger table. Both times the occupants never appeared. Servers assumed the family at at buffet

Not sure if promo still ongoing but boardwalk balconies had free soda cup as part of the standard perks. Johnny rocket meal & rock climbing.

Central Park balconies had different free perks

Hoping our last aft cabin, before the suites is best of both worlds as to views

 

[starvenger]

Central Park balconies had different free perks

We have a Central Perk balcony on our August Allure cruise. We get

- Free lunch for two at Giovanni's/Jamie's/Sabor/Johnny Rockets. JR's, by the way, now charges an absurd $12.95 to eat there (unless you're on a ship that charges a la carte). It doesn't say Chops on the website, but we're gonna try and see if they'll give us the free lunch there anyway.
- A bottle of red wine. Doesn't say what type, but I'll take it.
- Casino gaming lessons, which don't really interest me since I already know how to play the games I play.